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Even though I hate to see summer go...I LOVE pretty much everything about fall. The turning of the seasons has become much more prevalent since moving to the mountains. I love the crisp air in the morning, how the leaves turn orange, red, & yellow, a cozy scarf, the introduction of autumn flavored lattes, and of course a flickering fire at the end of the night.

Fall is when things start to quiet down around here, but to me, it's one of the most beautiful times in Tahoe. Can't wait to got the festivals, drive through Hope Valley, and hopefully get to Apple Hill! Lots to look forward to! Here are some visuals...

I just love fall so SO much that I wanted to kick off a little series...

Since tomorrow is September and we're officially transitioning into fall, I thought this would be the perfect time to have some of my favorite bloggy friends tell you their five favorite fall items! I'll be running this series every Thursday until the first {official} day of fall: September 23rd!

As many of you know...I am a HUGE Ina Garten fan! Her recipes always have simple yet delicious recipes and this dip is no exception! Full of bold flavors...I would have never missed the sour cream and excessive mayo that a traditional blue cheese dip calls for. The Greek yogurt definitely adds a great tang!

Place the shallot, garlic, lemon juice, yogurt mayonnaise, Gorgonzola, Tobasco, salt and pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade {I used a mini one...perfect size}. Pulse the processor about 12 times, until the mixture is almost smooth but still a bit chunky. Add the chives and pulse two or three time, until well combined. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop. Serve with vegetables and/or crackers for dipping.

This is perfect for a party or as a snack...great alternative to a rich dip without sacrificing the bold flavors.

We had quite the whirlwind of a weekend full of great company, good food, beautiful sites and a storybook wedding! Here is a quick snapshot of all that we did!

First things first, I got to have lunch with the darling Michaela! I loved getting to see her...though we did not get nearly enough time together! I really need to go back and spend the day in San Jose...LOVED the restaurant we ate at and all the fun people watching...it was great! I always appreciate the time spent connecting with my bloggy friends in person...it reminds me why I blog and enjoy it! Michaela has defintiely become a dear friend, both in the blog and real world. :)

Hubby and I picked up our two best friends who flew in from North Carolina for the wedding...we had dinner in Carmel Friday night and thoroughly enjoyed our meal! I would recommendLittle Napoli if you're ever in the area...amaaaazing!

We got to go to Pebble Beach and check out the beautiful 18th hole.

We then headed down to Cannery Row and had brunch overlooking the Monterey Bay...can you spot the planking seal in this picture?!

Lots of great details...there was a postcard theme and these were the little place cards...my talented girlfriend made them...pushing her to start an Etsy shop! :)

Me & Mer...love her!

Sorry for the photo overload...these are just the ones I snapped on my phone! :) It was great to reconnect with old friends and make new ones at the wedding! Loved all the details of the big day and I know we all had a wonderful time celebrating!

Though it's the end of summer...this weekend is the first only wedding we're attending of the season! I love going to weddings...it's really an opportunity to dress up and feel a little special! Ironically, {av} chose a wedding theme this weekend for herFriday Fancies!

Several months ago, I showed off how I display my jewelry {post foundhere}...I got a lot of great feedback on this little jewelry tree in particular:

My friend made this tree for me, based on a jewelry tree she had made for herself. Recently, my friend moved to China and since she knew how much I loved her tree...she decided to leave it with me. I thought, in taking in her tree, I would show you how I put it together {though it's really not rocket science!}. Hey...any chance to DIY, is worth sharing with all of you! :)

All you need is:

Pot or Bucket

Fine Sand

Branches {manzanita, willow...really, whatever you can find}

Jewelry

Fill the pot with the sand and place the branches to maximize your display space.

Place jewelry on the nooks and crannies of the branches {avoid cat's curiosity}.

I'm very excited to be guest posting over at my girl Michelle's beautiful blog Ten June today!

She asked me to participate in our awesome Genie Series, where I get to indulge in three wishes! Definitely head on over there to check it out.

For those of you who don't know Michelle's or her blog...you're defintiely missing out! She's witty, talented, and beautiful to boot! I got to meet her in San Francisco during our Blogger Meet Upand I instantly loved her! :) She has chronicled the make-over of her house and I never cease to be amazed at all she accomplishes and designs! Take a look:

I am in LOVE with her office...those stripes are just gorgeous, aren't they?!

Her breakfast room is so clean and chic. That living garden wall is pure perfection.

Her kitchen is classic...love the white cabinets and dark granite counters.

I seriously need this yellow rug in my life...and the pillow is the perfect companion.

Michelle and her husband recently finished remodeling their master bathroom. They gray cabinets are absolutely genius! The whole space feels like a romantic spa...such a beautiful job.